Different 3 Way Control Valve Options

Large industries are able to accomplish tasks of production through the use of machines and systems that work, in part, by the movement of different materials through their pipes. Regardless of what these particular materials are, their volume, flow, direction, pressure, and temperature are often vital to successful factory operations.

Factories can exert control on the fluids and gases moving through their pipes by installing a 3 Way Control Valve. These valves work by connecting different pipes together, and then either providing an opening or a blockage at the point of connection between the pipes. The 3 Way Control Valve is specifically used to connect three different pipes. There are two orifices that the valve then controls, and materials are only able to pass from one pipe to another if the orifice is open. In this manner, the location of the media in the pipes can be controlled and redirected according to factory and production needs.

In addition to determining which pipes the process media travels through, a 3 Way Control Valve can also affect the amount of media that enters. This can be done through partial openings that do not expose the entire available orifice, and still prevent some substance from moving through the opening.

Generally, large manufacturing systems prefer the use of a 3 Way Control valve that can be adjusted automatically. Different sensors can be implemented that trigger a valve response to various levels of pressure, temperature, volume, etc. Once that trigger has been set off, the 3 Way Control Valve will move to an appropriate spot that will correct and regulate the flow.

The automatic controls for valve movement are usually either electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic. In these different situations, the 3 Way Control Valve is either moving and adjusting based on electrical signals, pressure provided from water sources, or pressure from gas sources. Each particular factory has the luxury of selecting the type of control valve operation that would be most appropriate for their particular operation.

A 3 Way Control Valve consists of three main components. These include the actual body of the valve, the positioner that determines the placement of the body, and the actuator motor that powers the movement of the valve to the designated location.

There are a wide variety of options for 3 Way Control Valve body possibilities. These include rotary valves, sliding cylinder valves, globe valves, diaphragm valves, angle valves, and air operated valves. Each of these different body type options has been developed and tested in specialized atmospheres. For instance, the diaphragm valve is able to become immersed in substances that can endure sterilizing and sanitizing. While a company may be aware that they have a three pipe connection requiring the use of a 3 Way Control Valve, in order to guarantee the continued success of their plant and their product other components of type, material, and control need to be considered in relation to final project goals. Fortunately, control valves can also be sized and made to order, so that a company can fit one into the exact dimensions that are available.